Q: If I get an HPV diagnosis, does that mean I ‘m going to get cervical cancer?

A: Not at all! Nearly 80 percent of women will get HPV during their lifetime, and it often clears on its own. While HPV can lead to cervical cancer, it’s entirely preventable with proper screening. Medical guidelines recommend co-testing with Pap and HPV tests every three to five years for women over 30. Ask about the types of tests you’re getting; a recent study found that HPV-only testing misses more cervical cancers than Pap-only testing or co-testing.